MSP seeks probe into Culter flood concerns

Graeme Scott1

Scottish Water and local council officials have been urged to investigate concerns among residents about a flood risk in the Culter area

Previous floods in the area, which was lashed by Storm Frank last December, have eroded popular footpaths and left a major sewage pipe exposed at certain points.

Scottish Conservative MSP Ross Thomson attended a recent meeting at the River Dee with community representatives. Those present were also told that flood prevention measures along other parts of the river may actually exacerbate problems in other parts.

Among the local areas affected are ‘Lovers’ Walk’ which stretches along the riverbank from Peterculter Cemetery to Camphill Estate in Milltimber and around the Insch of Culter, known as Peter’s Pot.

Mr Thomson said: “Local residents in the Culter area have a number of concerns regarding flooding which need to be addressed urgently.

“One of the most alarming things was the erosion of rock and earth around the main sewage pipe which links Culter to the treatment plant at the Bay of Nigg.

“There are also serious issues around the local network of paths, which are used regularly by dog walkers, cyclists and joggers.

“It also appears that flood prevention work ongoing on the other side of the river may actually channel any excess water across to the Culter bank.

“It is difficult for people to affect change when there are so many different organisations to work with, whether that is the local council both in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, Scottish Water or SEPA. We need some joined-up thinking to deal with problems and to make sure that by fixing one issue we are not simply creating another elsewhere.

“We simply cannot afford to have a repeat of what happened during Storm Frank and in the aftermath – I hope that we can see some swift action to alleviate at least some of the concerns that residents here have.”